Q: I have tried a few of the remedies to try to prolong my lovemaking, some from my doctor and some from magazines. They work marginally.

A: Although we hear a lot about erectile dysfunction, the facts indicate that the most common sexual health problem for men is premature ejaculation. This appears to be part of physical and part psychological. Typically physicians may prescribe creams or gels that desensitize the penis during the lovemaking process. And some may offer an anti-depressant to help delay orgasm. But these medications have a significant number of side effects and require chronic dosing and considerable planning ahead of the sexual encounter.

A new report from Cornell University focuses on the need to address the psychological component so that patients can work towards a long lasting cure without medicines. The research emphasizes the medicines alone are inadequate. Men need to learn how to psychologically control their mental and physical sexual arousal response. Ultimately the goal is for them to learn to control their orgasmic responses. This takes learning certain sexual control exercises. There are books and online exercises available, but on of the more rewarding approaches is to seek out a sex therapist or sexual health counselor who specializes in teaching these mind and body exercises and techniques.